Stretch marks on the chest (striae) are a cosmetic defect that refers to scar changes in the epidermis and is atrophic in nature. Stretch marks are microscopic tears in the fibers of the epidermis, which are overgrown with scar tissue and look like stripes of different colors, widths and lengths located below the skin. Most women sooner or later face the problem of stretch marks on their breasts.
Causes of stretch marks on the chest
The following factors contribute to the appearance of stretch marks on the chest:
- Hereditary predisposition.
- Mechanical damage to the skin of the chest.
- Expansion of large breasts due to lack of a bra or an incorrectly fitted bra.
- Poor nutrition.
- Smoking.
- Strict diets and other methods of sudden weight loss.
- Hormonal disorders.
- Intense physical training with increased stress on the pectoral muscles.
- A sharp increase in bust volume or total body weight (for example, during pregnancy and lactation, during puberty in adolescents).
The main reason for the appearance of stretch marks on the chest is a rapid increase in body volume, which leads to stretching of collagen fibers in the epidermis and their subsequent rupture, while blood vessels begin to appear through the thinned and stretched skin, giving the stretch marks a red or purple color. Over time, stretch marks are overgrown with connective tissue and lighten, but on tanned or reddened skin they again stand out in contrast.
Stretch marks on the chest during pregnancy and lactation
During pregnancy and lactation, hormonal changes occur in a woman’s body, which often lead to dehydration and loss of skin firmness and elasticity.
85% of women gain weight during pregnancy, their mammary glands grow and fill with milk, which leads to the formation of stretch marks on the chest, During breastfeeding, stretch marks most often appear on the lower part of the breast or under the breast. Smoking, an unbalanced diet, and a lack of microelements and vitamins during pregnancy also contribute to the formation of stretch marks on the chest. On our website there is an article on breast reconstruction after childbirth, we recommend that you read this article.
To prevent the appearance of stretch marks on the chest, you must follow these rules:
- Wear special shapewear during pregnancy and breastfeeding.
- Review your diet: exclude flour, smoked foods, coffee, sweet carbonated drinks, fast food. Eat fresh vegetables and fruits, pay attention to the protein content in the diet, which ensures the synthesis of elastin and collagen, which prevent the formation of stretch marks on the skin.
- Use vitamin and mineral complexes. Vitamins A and E are especially beneficial for the skin of the breast.
- Already in the early stages of pregnancy, begin to lubricate the breast area daily with natural oils. (for example, olive, almond, wheat germ, grape seed oil), baby oils, creams containing vitamin E, hyaluronic acid and collagen.
Stretch marks on the chest in teenage girls
Hormonal changes during puberty and increased breast growth can lead to stretch marks on the breasts of teenagers. To prevent their occurrence, you must follow the following rules:
- Choose the right supportive and corrective bra.
- Check your hormonal levels systematically.
- Normalize your diet by enriching it with fresh vegetables and fruits, cereals, seafood and dairy products.
- Play sports (3-4 sessions a week every other day is enough).
Eliminating stretch marks on the chest at home
To help get rid of stretch marks on your chest:
- Pharmaceuticals.
- Special breast massage.
- Cosmetics (creams, gels, wraps).
Pharmaceuticals
The following types of medications are most often used to eliminate stretch marks:
- Mederma: gel for external use to eliminate stretch marks of various origins. The gel is produced by the German company Merz Pharma. Mederma is effectively used to eliminate young (up to 1 year) stretch marks; the duration of treatment is from 3 to 6 months. The gel can be used during pregnancy and lactation.
- Contractubex: external ointment that regenerates the skin and enhances collagen synthesis. The ointment is produced by the German company Merz Pharma; pharmacies also sell the domestic version, Contractubex-gel. The ointment can be used to remove stretch marks during pregnancy and breastfeeding; its active substances are not absorbed into the blood and do not harm the child. The course of treatment is 3-6 months.
Breast massage
Breast massage helps normalize lymph flow, strengthens chest muscles and improves blood circulation in tissues.
The massage should be done very carefully, without squeezing the chest. During the massage, it is necessary to use natural oils that soften the skin (for example, almond, wheat germ oil, olive, castor).
There are 2 main massage techniques:
- Taoist: massage is done according to ancient Chinese methods. You need to take your chest in your palm and make 9 soft rotational movements from the shoulder to the center. After this, you need to cover the chest with your palm and gently press, the center of the palm should align with the nipple (9 times as you exhale).
- Manual: first you need to massage your breasts clockwise with light circular strokes, and then rub your fingertips upwards from the nipple. After this, you need to grab the breast with one hand and tap it with the other hand, after which vibrations are performed: holding the breast with one hand, you need to make quick oscillatory movements from the nipple to the shoulder. The massage ends with light stroking, as at the beginning of the complex.
To achieve maximum effect, it is advisable to entrust breast massage to a specialist; incorrect massage technique can lead to stretching of the skin on the chest.
Cosmetical tools
The creams and gels for stretch marks contain extracts of algae and sea lettuce, papaya oil, shea butter, olive oil, chamomile extract, soybean oil, shea nut oil, hydroxyproline, vitamin E, provitamin B 5 and other components that stimulate the synthesis of collagen and elastin, responsible for skin elasticity, reduce existing stretch marks and prevent the appearance of new ones.
The most popular and safe cosmetic products that can be used during pregnancy and lactation, are creams, gels and oils from the following companies:
Algae wraps help get rid of stretch marks: a special mixture based on algae (for example, spirulina, kelp), essential (rosemary, lavender) and fatty oils (peach, olive), plant extracts (chamomile) and other active substances is applied to the chest area. Then the chest is wrapped in film and covered with a warm blanket for 30-60 minutes, which ensures deep penetration of the active components under the skin.
Cosmetological methods for eliminating stretch marks on the chest
Methods of cosmetology and aesthetic medicine help to get rid of stretch marks on the chest:
- Radio wave therapy. Exposure to radiofrequency pulses tightens the collagen fibers, causing them to curl. As a result, the breast skin tightens and stretch marks become less noticeable. To achieve results, 3-5 sessions are required.
- Microcurrent therapy. The therapeutic effect is ensured by the passage of a low current through the epidermal cells. The therapy restores the skin at the cellular level, increases skin tone and elasticity, and improves metabolism. The effect of current is used in combination with external preparations, which improves the penetration of active components under the skin. The course of treatment is from 8 to 10 procedures.
- Laser resurfacing. During resurfacing, controlled damage to local areas of the skin occurs, the body reacts to microburns with the synthesis of collagen and elastin, the skin in the treated area thickens, and stretch marks cease to stand out on the surface of the breast. A minimum of 5 procedures are required to achieve results.
- Ozone therapy. An ozone-oxygen mixture is injected under the skin of the breast at the locations of stretch marks, which stimulates lipid metabolism and blood microcirculation and destroys fibrous tissue. The course of treatment is from 8 to 10 procedures.
- Microdermabrasion. It is a mechanical skin resurfacing that is suitable for correcting even old stretch marks on the chest. The result is noticeable after 4-6 procedures.
- Mesotherapy. Specially selected mixtures of drugs (cocktails), which consist of hyaluronic acid, vitamins, minerals, amino acids and collagen, are injected under the skin of the breast. Metabolic and regenerative processes are launched in the deep layers of the skin, the skin becomes smooth and elastic, and stretch marks are noticeably smoothed out. The duration of the course depends on the age of the stretch marks and the condition of the patient’s skin; on average, 3 to 6 procedures are required.
- Chemical peeling. The procedure involves applying aggressive acids to the skin with stretch marks that burn the epidermis (for example, trichloroacetic acid, alpha hydroxy acid). Removing the upper layers of skin triggers regeneration processes, the production of elastin and collagen. To achieve results, 1 procedure is enough, although sometimes 2-3 may be required.
Cost of removing stretch marks on breasts
Average cost of products and methods for removing stretch marks on the chest:
- Pharmaceuticals: from 400 to 700 rubles per tube of ointment or gel.
- Breast massage by a specialist: from 500 to 2000 rubles per session.
- Cosmetics: creams, gels and oils for stretch marks cost from 300 to 3500 rubles.
- Radio wave therapy: the cost of one session is from 8,000 to 30,000 rubles.
- Microcurrent therapy: one procedure costs from 1500 to 3000 rubles.
- Laser resurfacing: one procedure will cost 5,000-10,000 rubles.
- Ozone therapy: the average cost of one procedure is from 1500 to 3000 rubles.
- Microdermabrasion: the cost of a surface treatment session is from 1500 to 2500 rubles, mid-treatment - from 2500 to 4000 rubles.
- Mesotherapy: cost of one session from 2500 rubles.
- Chemical peeling: trichloroacetic peeling costs from 5,000 to 10,000 rubles, glycolic – from 2,500 to 4,500 rubles, phytin – from 2,000 to 3,000 rubles, phenol – from 6,500 to 15,000 rubles.
In this article we discuss stretch marks in teenagers. We talk about the reasons for the appearance of stretch marks in adolescents on the body, chest, back, hips, legs and butt, and what treatment methods are effective to use. You will learn what to do for stretch marks in teenagers, whether they go away on their own, which doctor to see and what to apply at home.
What are stretch marks
Stretch marks, also known as stretch marks, are a kind of skin defect that appears in the form of narrow wavy stripes of different widths and has shades from white to red-violet.
Gradually, the color of the stretch marks becomes lighter and discolored, usually this can take several days, several months or years. Typically, stretch marks are localized on the chest, abdomen, thighs and buttocks. In athletes who rapidly increase muscle mass, stretch marks may appear on the inside of the arms and shoulders.
Striae appear as a result of microtraumas of the skin and subcutaneous tissue. They often occur in people with a genetic predisposition.
Causes
Striae can occur in both adults and adolescents. In adults, stretch marks usually occur due to rapid weight gain and equally rapid weight loss, as well as due to hormonal changes or pregnancy.
In adolescents, stretch marks usually appear on the body at the age of 13-15 years. They can be white, red, pink, purple or brown. The brighter the shade of stretch marks, the less time has passed since their appearance. Most often they are localized on the chest, abdomen, back, buttocks, thighs and legs.
Experts cannot name the exact factors that cause the formation of stretch marks on the skin. But among the potential reasons are:
- Weak immunity - a decrease in the protective functions of the body causes a violation of the turgor of the skin, which leads to micro-tears of the skin.
- Genetic predisposition — if among a teenager’s immediate family there are people with stretch marks, then such a child has a high probability of developing stretch marks. That is why it is important to take preventive measures to reduce the risk of their occurrence.
- Hormonal disorders — various disruptions in the hormonal system negatively affect human health. With hormonal imbalance, stretch marks in a teenager are usually localized on the hips and butt. Hormones are responsible for the growth of bones and tissues in height and breadth. But in some cases, the body does not keep up with these changes, which leads to the appearance of stretch marks in adolescents and pregnant women. It is during adolescence and during the period of bearing a child that the body does not have time to respond correctly to hormonal changes, which leads to microtraumas of the skin.
- Sudden increase in height or weight - rapid increase in body weight and development of muscle tissue causes thinning of the skin.
- Rapid growth of mammary glands — in adolescence, active breast growth begins in girls, which causes the appearance of stretch marks in the décolleté area. Suitable dermatological therapy will help to cope with them.
- Muscle fiber deficiency - this leads to the development of red-blue stripes on the teenager’s back, which must be treated.
- Lack of collagen and elastin fibers — because of this, stretch marks on the butt often occur in teenagers. In places where fat and muscle accumulate, it is the hardest for the skin to stretch. Often, such stretch marks on the body in adolescents occur due to poor nutrition or lack of physical activity.
Will stretch marks in teenagers go away on their own? No, this is impossible, since stretch marks are a microtear in the skin, that is, a kind of scar that remains with a person for life.
Which doctor should I contact?
If stretch marks appear on the body of a teenager, you should consult a dermatologist. Depending on the condition of the skin and the location of the stretch marks, the use of special ointments, creams or vitamins, as well as the use of certain cosmetic procedures may be prescribed.
Location of stretch marks on the skin
Striae are most often located in areas of intense muscle and bone growth. In teenage girls, stretch marks appear on the hips and legs, in teenage boys - on the shoulders and arms.
Excessive consumption of cortisone steroids leads to the formation of stretch marks on the knees, thighs, abdomen, butt, legs and shoulders.
If stretch marks form in the back of the head, arms and back, then this indicates serious pathologies. Therefore, urgent consultation with a specialist is required.
Treatment
Eliminating stretch marks on a teenager’s body requires a comprehensive approach. As a rule, experts prescribe the use of special creams and ointments, folk remedies or cosmetic procedures, depending on what triggered the appearance of stretch marks on the skin of a teenager. Let's take a closer look at each of the remedies.
Photo of stretch marks on a teenager's back
Creams and ointments
In cosmetology, a wide range of products are used, the action of which is aimed at eliminating teenage stretch marks. The presence of collagen, elastin, silicone and glycerin in the creams helps to increase and improve skin elasticity and prevent moisture loss.
It is recommended to reduce physical activity while using ointments and creams. But it is advisable to carry out massage sessions as often as possible, as this helps to quickly restore the skin to its previous appearance.
In order for the effect of using cosmetics to be noticeable, it is important to regularly use cream and ointment.
The most popular and effective remedies for teenage stretch marks are:
- Bepantol (emulsion) — perfectly nourishes and moisturizes the skin, giving it elasticity and preventing the development of stretch marks. Judging by the reviews, this emulsion is effective for removing stretch marks on the legs and abdomen of a teenager.
- Mustela - a French-made cream containing natural oils and resinous substances that prevent the appearance of stretch marks on the skin and effectively deal with them.
- Bio-Oil - an oil that perfectly copes with stretch marks, scars and other skin defects in teenagers.
- Sanosan - a cosmetic product actively used by pregnant women. But it can also be used by young people. Sanosan contains natural ingredients that remove stretch marks on the hips and are effective for removing stretch marks on the chest and abdomen.
- Vichy - is the most suitable remedy for removing stretch marks in teenagers. The substances included in the product give the skin elasticity and lighten stretch marks. The only negative is the high cost of the cosmetic product.
- Avent — the effectiveness of this remedy for stretch marks has been proven by many tests. The substances included in the product are safe for the body of a teenager.
You can buy all these products at any pharmacy, specialized stores, or by going to the official manufacturer’s website.
Vitamins
Some vitamins are no worse than expensive creams and ointments in treating stretch marks and preventing their appearance. It is recommended to pay attention to the following vitamins:
- Vitamin A, also known as retinol, - has a beneficial effect on the growth of bone and muscle tissue. Helps strengthen the body's protective properties and restore cells. Large amounts of this vitamin are found in dairy products, fish oil, beef liver, carrots, red rowan berries, eggs, herbs, orange vegetables and fruits.
- Vitamin E (tocopherol) — gives the skin elasticity and firmness, improves immunity, takes part in the absorption of retinol and the synthesis of hormones. Present in large quantities in sunflower oil and sunflower seeds, almonds, cereals, green leafy vegetables, sea buckthorn and rowan.
- Vitamin K - takes part in blood clotting, gives the dermis elasticity and firmness. Contained in large quantities in spinach, broccoli, beef liver, Brussels sprouts, green beans, and chicken.
- Vitamin D — gives strength to the muscle and bone tissue of a teenager, normalizes the activity of the adrenal glands, thyroid gland, and pituitary gland. Present in cod fat and liver, fatty fish, seafood, butter, egg yolk.
- Vitamin C (ascorbic acid) - has a powerful antioxidant effect, restores elasticity and synthesizing collagen to the skin. There is a lot of ascorbic acid in citrus fruits, walnuts, black currants, rose hips, sweet peppers, and kiwi.
If a teenager has vitamin deficiency, a specialist may prescribe additional multivitamins.
Photos of essential oils for stretch marks
Folk remedies
In folk medicine there are many remedies whose action is aimed at combating teenage stretch marks. In some cases, such means are even better than traditional ones. But before using them, you need to test for an allergic reaction.
To do this, a small amount of the prepared product should be applied to the teenager’s wrist. If after a quarter of an hour there are no changes in this place, you can use it.
Listed below are the most famous and effective traditional medicine against stretch marks at home:
- Cream with mumiyo — to prepare it, dissolve 2-3 mummy tablets in water and mix with regular body cream. Treat problem areas with the prepared mixture up to 3 times a day.
- Coffee scrub - Grind the coffee beans in a coffee grinder, then mix with honey or essential oil. While taking a shower, the prepared mixture should be rubbed with light movements for 15-20 minutes into problem areas of the body: butt, legs, hips, chest or back. Then the product is washed off and a nourishing cream is applied to the skin. It is recommended to use this scrub no more than 2 times every 7 days.
- Essential oils — to carry out a home SPA procedure, you need to use only fatty massage oils. Wheat germ, jojoba, avocado and almond oils are excellent. It is also permissible to use olive, peach, flaxseed and sesame oils. Natural oils are used in combination with aromatic oils. An example of a cosmetic recipe: 3 drops of essential oils of geranium, myrtle, rosewood are mixed with ether of frankincense gum, immortelle (2 drops each) and with 10 ml of argan and 30 ml of rose hips. The resulting composition is applied in a circular motion to the stretch marks on the chest and gently rubbed. It is advisable to repeat the procedure no more than 2 times a week.
- Chamomile wraps — to prepare the product, pour 0.2 kg of chamomile flowers into 250 ml of warm milk and bring to a boil. The cooled composition should be applied to the problem area, covered with cellophane on top and wrapped in a towel. Leave the compress on for 20 minutes, then take a contrast shower and spread the skin with nourishing cream.
- Carrot lotion — to prepare this remedy, you need to take one carrot (grated on a fine grater), pour 220 ml of distilled water into it. Wait 15 ml, squeeze out the carrots and add 1 tbsp. almond oil The prepared lotion should be lubricated on problem areas twice a day, and the product itself should be stored in the refrigerator.
- Aloe cream “Ambulance” — to prepare the product you will need 0.1 kg of dandelion leaves, 4 tbsp. olive oil, 2 tbsp. oatmeal and 3 medium sized aloe leaves. Aloe and dandelion leaves need to be crushed in a food processor, then add olive oil to the mixture and mix well, gradually adding flour. The resulting composition should have a creamy consistency. This cream is applied to problem areas and washed off after 20 minutes.
Cosmetology procedures
There are many safe procedures in cosmetology that help remove stretch marks on a teenager’s skin. Here are the most common:
- Mesotherapy - an effective and safe method of combating stretch marks in adolescents. Injections into different parts of the body activate the metabolism and effectively eliminate stretch marks. A cosmetic session is carried out 2 to 3 times a month. The duration of the course is six months and at least 12 procedures. Contraindications for mesotherapy are the presence of inflammation in the area where injections are performed, blood diseases, herpes, viral and colds. It is also undesirable to carry out the procedure in the summer.
- Microdermabrasion — using this technique you can remove stretch marks on your back. With the help of microscopic crystals, the growth of new elastic cells is activated and the skin becomes more elastic. Striae on the abdomen, thighs and back of a teenager after mechanical peeling remain only if the patient’s skin is hypersensitive.
- Laser skin resurfacing - quite an expensive cosmetic procedure. But its main advantage is the elimination of stretch marks on a teenager’s skin in just 1 session. After the first procedure, you can additionally use special creams and folk remedies against stretch marks - this will allow you to achieve the maximum effect from laser skin resurfacing. The duration of the procedure is about 1 hour. During the session, a slight burning sensation is felt, and after it swelling and redness are likely to appear.
- Massage is an integral part of a comprehensive approach to getting rid of teenage stretch marks. The massage can be varied: plucking, using natural oils, mumiyo, creams, vacuum cupping, smoothing.
Stretch marks on a teenager’s skin are an unpleasant phenomenon that can be dealt with with an integrated approach. Parents should monitor their child and at the first sign of stretch marks, immediately consult a doctor and not wait for them to go away on their own.
Children playing sports
Prevention
Preventing the formation of stretch marks is much easier than trying to cope with their consequences. That is why it is important to adhere to certain preventive measures that will protect a teenager from the appearance of unsightly stripes on the body.
Here's what to do:
- Monitor your teenager's diet. It should contain a sufficient amount of fiber and as little junk food as possible so as not to provoke excess weight gain.
- Visit doctors regularly and get tested to promptly identify hormonal imbalances.
- Maintain good personal hygiene and use various moisturizing creams and lotions.
- Move more and spend time outdoors. A sedentary lifestyle provokes the development of stretch marks in adolescence. That is why it is important to motivate a child to have an active lifestyle or send him to a sports section.
- Follow the drinking regime, drink at least 1.5 liters of clean water without gases per day.
- Follow a work-rest schedule, sleep at least 8 hours a day.
- If possible, try to protect the teenager from bad habits and instill in him a love of a healthy lifestyle.
Following these recommendations will help prevent stretch marks from appearing on your teenager's body. And if they do appear, it is necessary to seek help from a doctor as soon as possible in order to prevent their further development and increase in size.
Video: How to get rid of stretch marks
Hello, dear site users! Today we will talk about a fairly common problem - stretch marks in teenagers, consider the reasons for their appearance and effective methods of treatment.
At the initial stage, stretch marks range in color from dark purple to pale pink, and after six months they become discolored and harden in the subcutaneous fat layer. Most often, stretch marks appear during pregnancy, an increase in fat or muscle mass, and during adolescence, which we will talk about today.
Stretch marks in adolescence
The formation of stretch marks can become a serious aesthetic problem even for an adult, but adolescence is considered a particularly dangerous time for their appearance.
During puberty, the child undergoes global internal changes, puberty occurs, and the level of hormones goes through the roof, naturally this manifests itself in the form of: sudden mood swings, rapid fatigue, tiredness, or, conversely, excessive overexcitement.
At this time, a teenager sees the world in black and white; the appearance of aesthetic defects on the skin can lead to hysteria, stress, and long-term depression, which will subsequently develop into insurmountable complexes. In addition to psychological disorders, stretch marks may indicate more serious problems, which we will discuss a little later. First, you should understand the reasons for the appearance of teenage stretch marks.
Why do stretch marks form in teenagers?
Stretch marks in teenagers can appear for a number of reasons, and while some of these reasons are absolutely safe and will not cause harm to health, others may indicate serious problems that need to be addressed first. Let's consider the main reasons for the formation of striae:
- Hormonal changes in the body during puberty;
- Rapid physiological development - a teenager is significantly taller than his peers or stretch marks appear on the chest of teenage girls due to the rapid growth and development of the mammary glands.
- Weakened immune system – the body becomes hyperactive, that is, it mistakes its own cells and tissues for foreign ones and attacks them. In the process, the circulation of immune cells and the normal functioning of the body as a whole are disrupted, the skin loses its elasticity and stable structure, which is why micro-tears in the dermis form in the form of stretch marks.
- Hereditary predisposition - if one of the parents, at one time, developed stretch marks.
- A sharp increase in body weight and volume or weight fluctuations, when a teenager first quickly loses weight and then sharply gains weight.
- Obesity caused by hypothalamic syndrome of puberty - increased synthesis of glucose from non-carbohydrate foods (gluconeogenesis), which contributes to the formation of stretch marks.
- Lack of muscle mass - the correct ratio of fat tissue and muscle is disrupted; in this case, stretch marks are most often localized on the back and lower back.
Let's take a closer look at the causes of teenage stretch marks, which are the most common.
Stretch marks in teenagers, against the background of hormonal changes and rapid growth
Most often, stretch marks appear in adolescents who are superior in physiological development to their peers: girls develop mammary glands early and menstruation appears, boys develop secondary sexual characteristics and the timbre of their voice quickly changes.
The fact is that stretch marks in adolescents and the endocrine system are closely related, so hormonal imbalance can become the underlying cause of the appearance of micro-tears in the dermis.
Against the background of active growth and puberty, in boys and girls, the production of a number of hormones increases: adrenocorticotropic, thyroid-stimulating, thyroid hormones, sex hormones and others.
With normal functioning of the body, puberty and physiological development proceed evenly and interconnected, the rapid development of collagen and elastin fibers continues, so the skin does not lose its firmness and elasticity, which protects it from the formation of stretch marks.
If the balance is disturbed, a hormonal imbalance occurs; hormones that have a predominant role in the structure of subcutaneous tissues begin to be produced chaotically. The synthesis of fibrillar proteins, which form the basis of connective tissue and provide the strength and elasticity of the dermis, is reduced.
As a result, with active growth, the skin is overstretched and the mesh layer of the dermis, in places of least strength, breaks, forming a failure in the form of a scar.
What are the dangers of stretch marks in teenagers?
Parents should understand that stretch marks in teenagers cannot appear without a reason and it is good if their occurrence is associated with active growth or early puberty.
However, the presence of stretch marks may indicate more serious problems, including:
- Weakened immunity – can cause frequent infectious and inflammatory diseases (flu, sore throat, ARVI, etc.);
- Diseases of internal organs;
- A serious hormonal disorder that can cause fatigue, excessive hair growth, obesity, failure of the reproductive function and thyroid gland, infertility, etc.
- Displacement of the vertebrae – accompanied by back pain, stretch marks are localized on the back and lower back;
- Diabetes mellitus, Itsenko-Cushing's disease, Marfan syndrome - and other no less serious diseases.
Parents should be vigilant and prepare their child for the possibility of stretch marks. If a teenager discovers scars on his body, he must immediately inform his parents about it.
At the first manifestations of stretch marks, first of all, you need to consult a specialist, take the necessary tests and undergo a medical examination to find the root cause, and only then begin treatment.
Where stretch marks appear on the body of teenagers
Most often, stretch marks form in teenagers in the following areas: the inner and outer thighs, abdomen, lower back and buttocks. Stretch marks in teenage girls are often localized in the chest area. Very rarely, stretch marks can appear on the back of the head, back or arms - this usually indicates health problems.
How to avoid teenage stretch marks
The best prevention of teenage stretch marks is proper nutrition. The daily diet should be balanced and include dishes containing fiber, proteins and complex carbohydrates.
It is necessary to minimize the consumption of fatty foods, fast carbohydrates, salt and preservatives. Products must be fortified with essential vitamins and minerals.
In adolescence, it is recommended to follow a certain regime; try to eat at the same, strictly defined time, every day. The classic nutritional system involves three main meals (breakfast, lunch and dinner) and two snacks (second breakfast and afternoon snack); it is not recommended to eat 2-3 hours before bedtime. Particular attention should be paid to sufficient water intake, approximately 1.5-2.5 liters per day.
The second element of the program to prevent stretch marks in adolescents is an active lifestyle, it is necessary to walk more and often be in the fresh air. It is recommended to engage in any kind of sport to prevent stretch marks; the following are more suitable: running for weight loss, swimming, cycling, rollerblading or skating, tennis, etc. Strength training is beneficial for teenagers with a lack of muscle mass.
Rest and healthy sleep (at least 6 hours and no more than 10) are important; it is recommended to go to bed and get up at the same time.
If one of the family members has stretch marks, this indicates a possible hereditary predisposition, also if the teenager is physically developed better than his peers or, on the contrary, there is a lack of muscle mass.
In such cases, preventive measures should be strengthened using massage against stretch marks and constant moisturizing and nourishing the skin with essential oils, creams, gels and other remedies for stretch marks.
Treatments for stretch marks in teenagers
Anti-stretch mark cream for teenagers
In order to eliminate and prevent stretch marks in teenagers, first of all, it is recommended to use stretch mark cream - this is the safest means of combating stretch marks, since creamy cosmetics have practically no contraindications and can be used daily.
Today there are special stretch mark creams for teenagers on sale. For very sensitive skin, it is better to choose hypoallergenic products; creams for pregnant women are perfect, as they contain a minimum of fragrances and a maximum of natural extracts.
Vitamins for stretch marks in teenagers
A properly selected vitamin and mineral complex will help slow down the process of manifestation of already formed stretch marks, making them less noticeable, and prevent the development of new stretch marks. Vitamins a teenager needs to fight stretch marks:
- Vitamin A – “growth vitamin”, has a positive effect on the growth and formation of the body and bone tissue of a teenager. Vitamin A also promotes the regeneration of cellular metabolism and strengthens the immune system. Contained in: dairy products, liver, fish oil, eggs, orange fruits and vegetables and herbs.
- Vitamin E – restores skin firmness and elasticity, participates in the synthesis of hormones, and helps restore the immune system. Contained in: natural vegetable oils, soy, nuts, cereals and dairy products. Helps vitamin A be absorbed.
- Vitamin C - a powerful antioxidant, protects against the harmful effects of free radicals, participates in collagen synthesis and restores the strength of subcutaneous tissues. Contained in: walnuts, peas, kiwi, red peppers, black currants, strawberries, cauliflower and Brussels sprouts, cereals, sea buckthorn berries and citrus fruits.
- Vitamin D - regulates the functions of the adrenal glands, pituitary gland, parathyroid and thyroid glands, strengthens muscles and bone tissue. Contained in: sunflower oil, cheese, yolks, butter, cottage cheese, seafood, potatoes, oatmeal and parsley.
- Vitamin K — normalizes the blood clotting process, maintains skin elasticity. Contained in: meat, green vegetables, mushrooms, plums, tomatoes, avocado, kiwi, strawberries, green tea, beans, etc.
If the body does not receive enough vitamins from food, then it is necessary to take an additional vitamin complex, which can be purchased at the pharmacy. On my blog you can learn more about vitamins in the article “Vitamins A and E for stretch marks”
Traditional methods of treating stretch marks in teenagers
If stretch marks have already formed on a teenager’s body, and creams for stretch marks have not given the desired result, it’s time to move on to treatment using folk remedies. Traditional methods for treating stretch marks include:
- Masks with honey, seaweed, oatmeal, aloe juice, cucumber, clay, etc.
- Wrapping with large sheets of kelp, chocolate, honey, clay, with mumiyo, with cocoa, with essential oils, etc.
- Various types of massage: pinch massage with natural oil, honey massage, smoothing massage with stretch mark cream, massage with mumiyo and bodyaga, vacuum cupping massage.
- Peeling with exfoliating agents made from ground coffee, sea salt, soda or sugar, with the addition of citrus essential oils.
- Rubbing with natural oils: wheat germ, sunflower, olive, fucus, grape seed, flaxseed, apricot or peach; with the addition of essential oils: anise, sandalwood, cinnamon, lavender, patchouli, rosemary, fennel, bergamot, lemon, ginger, grapefruit and orange.
All procedures can be done independently at home. They will help increase the elasticity of tissues, smooth out stretch marks and improve the appearance of the skin, making it soft and velvety.
Remember that children at puberty are very sensitive and react painfully to any changes in appearance. You cannot turn a blind eye to the appearance of stretch marks, otherwise you risk missing the onset of serious health problems.
In addition, stretch marks can cause a deterioration in the psycho-emotional state; a teenager can close down, lose self-confidence and develop a bunch of unjustified complexes.
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